She nodded. “I have an idea.”
“I’ll prove my worth then,” I said as the doors opened.
The faster I get her to the room, the faster I get to find out what I needed to do to get her clothes off her. I’d never thought a woman’s essence might cure anything, but Kara was everything I needed. Now.
Chapter 13
Kara
Finally, we were alone. My hair stood on end. I learned so much about him tonight. Quentin brought me back to our room—or, more specifically, to our private balcony.
As a good man, he set up everything I’d told him.
Tonight, we gambled, but just us. With the city lights and ocean around us, this scene was paradise already.
After a little rearranging, we saw the sunset over the Mediterranean around us, from our small table overlaid with a white tablecloth, a bottle of wine, and cards. To get naked here was daring as I wanted to hide. For him, I’d be willing to try.
Quentin dared me to be different.
He dealt the cards, and at first, we were just having fun. But after the sun disappeared, the game grew heated. I’d lost my shoes and might soon be losing my dress—if he called my bluff.
Truth be told, I wanted to lose, but I would never, ever tell him that.
“You got a text earlier from Simon.” I took my cards and moved them around like I was making pairs that I didn’t have. “So, what are we doing tomorrow with your friends after breakfast?”
He showed off those dimples of his now as he took his cards. “Going to the casino.”
“Why?” I asked and my heartbeat grew faster.
He then knocked on the table. I picked up and actually made a match of sevens and discarded.
“His wife wants to see it, and you want to, too.”
“I do?”
“They filmed a few Bond movies there, and there is some fundraiser, so we need to dress formally.”
“Formal? I don’t have anything in my bag,” I said and showed my cards.
He then showed me his triple, so I stood and unzipped my dress.
“We’ll get you something in the hotel shops,” he said, eyeing my every movement.
“You’re buying me a dress?” I asked as I dropped mine entirely on the ground.
My phone rang on the table. He took it and showed me the caller ID. Marlon. He then rejected the call. “I brought you here. I can supply the uniform.”
Doctors weren’t starving in my country. I sat down in my bra and panties. “I never thought of fancy clothes like that.”
He dealt again his heated gaze trailing over my skin. Somehow, with Quentin, I wasn’t perfect, and I didn’t care.
“It’s fine,” he said as I took my cards. “I take care of what’s mine.”
Heat coursed through me from those words. Marlon had never once said anything like that, but then I don’t think I have ever been in this situation. The corners of my mouth lifted. “Mine?”
He let out a warm growl. “That ass of yours has been on my mind since I touched it.”
I laughed and shuffled my hand. “You’re a butt guy?”
“At first it was your breasts.” He put his hand down and stared at my chest with no abandon. “But I am a fan of exquisite beauty, and your ass would be up for that award.”
I wasn’t some model, but with my wanker who made my body ache, I was complete.
I took a card. “Keep talking like that, and you can have whatever you want.”
He took another card and winked. “Well, your chest is also large and squishable, and your nipples, when they are hard, literally take my breath away.”
I had no hand, but I knocked. “Good, this is more the speed we agreed on for the week.”
He took another card, but his face pinched. “Sorry my friends are heavy.”
“They’re not wrong,” I said while he arranged his hand to show me. “I don’t know anything about medicine, but I worked in a bottle company factory where my boss said I lost his million-dollar client. I never met the client, and my work had no mistakes, so I quit. When I get home, I’ll go on some interviews, and while I don’t get the reward of saving people, I understand stress.”
“Maybe Bridget was on to something. You could work for my father,” he said and then showed his hand.
No. He wasn’t interested in forever with me.
And I wasn’t ready.
I put my cards on the table. Two pairs.
“I’m secure in my job.” His hand beat the mishmash of nothing in mine. Still, I held my cards and drew this moment out for a minute longer. “Even I know that doctors and nurses are not God. You can’t know everything, especially when you’re close to the patient’s family.”
He nodded. “Cecilia’s sister Desiree sued me. She blamed me and proved to me how I missed what should have been obvious. I can’t help anyone if I can’t make the logical connections.”
Blame wasn’t good for a relationship. Or I’d imagine that was true. Marlon and I only talked occasionally, and I never wanted love. “Well, you’re not healing me unless you think orgasms are a cure.”
I turned over my hand, and he laughed and motioned for my bra. “Kara, until I met you, I didn’t know my wanker worked so hard still. I thought I was only eighteen once.”
I stood and removed my panty hose. He snapped like he was disappointed, but nowhere in the rules had we said winner gets to choose the article. And he was still fully clothed. I’d have to strip him the old-fashioned way. “Well lucky me then. When I was eighteen, I was still a virgin and not that into men yet.”
He dealt again, and I took my cards like I was winning this round.
“I’m happy you’re in my life now,” he said, eyeing his cards, “as your naked canvass invigorates my cock.”
“I’m glad to give you a workout then.”
He opened his legs, and I could see he was hard for me. He didn’t bother with his cards either. “We’ll find you a dress tomorrow.”
Oh, we weren’t finishing this game so fast. I wanted to stretch out this evening.
I checked my cards. “Tomorrow?”
“I don’t want to go out anymore,” he said, glancing at his cards.
I took one and pretended to put things in order. “What do you want?”
He glanced at my breasts. “Once we finish this game—”
His phone rang this time. He picked it up and stared at it. “It’s Simon.”
“Let it go to voicemail,” I said.
I wasn’t ready to go out now. Quentin didn’t need to be lectured again whether his friends were right or not.
He twisted the phone as it rang. “Are you sure?”
I nodded.
He turned it off, studied his hand, and drew another card. “I’m going to get those panties of yours, and I’m not giving them back.”
Good. Perfect, actually. This was what I wanted and needed. “I’ll need them back eventually.”
He shuffled. “The next bet is double. If I win, you don’t wear any panties tomorrow.”
I’d never gone outside without covering up, ever. “Why?”
His gaze went to my chest, and he licked his lips. “So I can find a place in the party and claim what’s mine whenever I want.”
I lost my breath. “In public?”
“If you lose.” He nodded.
Fuck yes. I loved how daring I was with Quentin. This was why I was here. This wasn’t about forever. I nodded like I was going to actually try this time. “And if I win, I want… to command where and when you get to put your wanker into me, and you need to follow my every command.”
He tapped the deck. “Now, that sounds interesting.”
I sucked in my bottom lip. If only I believed love happened for us. He’d find someone else, in time. I might be too broken, but for now, my nipples hardened as he clearly saw when I asked, “So, do we have a bet?”
“Yes,” he said and dealt the cards.
Commanding Quentin might be fun, but I needed him to
direct me and take some of the decision making off my shoulders.
I took a second card and accidently made a pair of eights.
He took more time. I didn’t dare keep the hand and tossed that other eight.
He stared at my almost naked body. “Time to show your cards ma chérie.”
That cooled me, and I asked, “Who’s Cher? You’ve said it twice now.”
He laughed. “Cheri… it means, my dear.”
I thought so, but I put my cards on the table with a defeated sigh. “I like being your temporary girlfriend.”
His entire face brightened like he’d just found out it was Christmas morning. “I like you being here, too.”
To continue my charade, I wiggled my shoulders and pouted. “My cards don’t match at all.”
He showed his double pairs and opened his palm, “Excellente. My panties. Hand them over.”
I stood and watched him stare at my backside like I was somehow perfect. I’d been destroyed and humiliated once, but Quentin empowered me to be different. Good thing this was all temporary. I’d never be like this forever.
Beauty fades, and I never had much of it—just an average slice. But that, for today, was enough. I wiggled and handed over my cotton briefs. “Now that I’m naked, what are you thinking?”
He stood, and I saw his wanker was waiting for me. “Get over here and find out.”
And I didn’t care we were on a balcony where anyone could see. I strutted into his arms, certain I ached for him in a way I never had for anyone else.
Chapter 14
Kara
The sight in front of me had me imagining car explosions in the driveway like I’d seen in the movies filmed here.
I wore a black shirt and black pants to check out the casino as it was the closest thing I had to sophisticated lady clothes for this trip. And I walked next to a man who had a black tuxedo in his backpack.
We were clearly from different worlds.
I’d packed jeans and flats for my trip, and never once thought to myself “what if I go to a gala?”
I glanced around. The casino had palace walls and double story archways just as I’d seen play out in movie scenes. At side tables, I imagined fictional characters sitting and playing poker at tables with the people in those seats right now. I had no time to dwell when we crossed the floor and headed to the shops.
The clothing store was charming. I didn’t research the Euro enough, but I understood the numbers; the clothes were pricy, but I could afford one. It’s not like I was spending a dime so far on this trip.
Quentin picked out a red number. I chose a black and then I picked up an olive green that had white and yellow flowers embedded in the bottom that flared like a mermaid style dress.
I first put on the black and wiggled it off. Too much of a work dress.
The red dress was… Christmas. I took it off as well. I wasn’t sure the olive green worked, but then I saw how it made my face lighter and didn’t turn me green at all. The material was soft and flattered my curves.
I twirled in the dressing room and came out with a smile on my face as I let the material swing. “Does this dress scream Bond girl?”
He winked. “Absolutely. It’s a winner.” He told the clerk, “Let me pay.”
I’d lost the heart to argue. I folded my clothes and wore the dress out of the store like I was some diva who wore diamonds in the bathtub.
As if he read my mind, Quentin wrapped a necklace around my neck.
He must have bought this when my back was turned. I had no idea, but the glittering diamonds and yellow citrine made the dress pop.
He handed me the earrings, and I swear I glimpsed a ring he’d tucked back in his wallet.
My heart stilled as I put the earrings on. “What’s this?”
He took it out of his wallet and handed it to me. “My grandmother’s engagement ring. Been in the family as long as the casino’s been operating.”
This ring screamed family heirloom and wealth. I held it firmly, but it was like a magnet to my skin. “That’s a long history.”
I forced myself to give it back. My hand still had pins and needles from holding it like it was mine.
That was impossible. I was going home, and he didn’t love me. He’d give that to the right woman, one day. He tucked it in his wallet and said, “Doesn’t matter. It dies with me.”
Quentin was too sweet to stay single. “You’re never marrying again?”
“Not unless you say yes.” He winked.
Was that a joke? My hand pressed to my heart, but I shook my head. The gleam in his expression wasn’t serious, and I shouldn’t wish for more. I shrugged and batted my eyes. “But you haven’t even asked.”
He traced my back as the store clerk handed me my clothes in a bag. He waited till she was gone and then asked in a low voice, “Do you want to skip the party and find a corner with me?”
Goosebumps erupted all over my body. “Lead the way, Quentin.”
We headed out as he took my hand. “You’ve made my returning home more fun.”
I knew better than to believe in destiny, fate, or whatever it was to hope that we might have a happily ever after. “You did say last night we’d hit the party and find a corner there.”
“We can do that, too.” We walked across the second-floor hall and made it to the stairs that flowed to the first-floor gambling. We needed to go to a ballroom, but Quentin slowed down and pointed at the steps. “Is that your Marlon?”
My mouth flew open and didn’t close right away. I was staring into those blue eyes I’d never wanted to see again, and my hand went to my hip. “Is he joking?”
He joined us, and Quentin held my waist. Marlon was skinnier than I remembered.
“Marlon,” I clipped. “How did you know I was here?”
He loomed over me, though he was shorter than my muscle-bound Quentin. “I used my find my phone app. I needed to see this with my own eyes. You seriously hooked up with this French loser who only wants a passport?”
My shoulders tensed, and my hands began to shake. If I was a man, I’d punch him in the jaw. “Quentin’s a doctor. You’re a data scientist. He owns a vineyard. You own a small house that needs repairs you never have time for.”
Quentin traced my spine and said in a deep hypnotizing voice, “You don’t have to argue with this man, Kara. I’m happy to meet the man who left you available for me.”
Right. He held out his hand to shake, and Marlon stared at it. I widened my eyes as his refusal and then said, “Quentin is a grown-up, Marlon.”
And he’d given me pleasure in a way I’d never experienced. I, however, made choices like the man in front of me. There was no way I was worthy of Quentin for more than a week.
Marlon widened his stance. “He’s using you. I needed time, Kara.”
I held onto Quentin like he was my lifeline. Blood rushed to my brain. “Time? You canceled the wedding.”
Marlon’s voice etched up where it echoed. “I see that was a mistake.”
I took a deep breath. “No, it wasn’t. It hurt at that moment, but we weren’t in love.”
His face turned red, and I inched closer to Quentin who said, “You are different.”
I met Quentin’s gaze and instantly calmed. “I am. I’m happy.”
Marlon then shouted, “You’re a fucking whore! I knew you weren’t a lady.”
Quentin stepped in front of me, straightening his shoulders. “Apologize,” he growled at Marlon.
Marlon’s face contorted. “What the fuck do you have to do with this?”
Quentin’s voice was cool but sharp as his words landed in my soul. “Kara is mine now, and I won’t let anyone insult her.”
If only that were true.
I tapped his arm and sidestepped him. “Quentin, it’s fine. Let’s enjoy our day. He can leave.”
Quentin shifted. “Is that true, Marlon? Are you leaving?”
For a moment I feared they’d break out into a fight, but Marlon to
ok a step back. “I’ll be around.”
I couldn’t get Quentin to move until Marlon was on the bottom step. Then he joined me and said, “If he comes back, let me handle him. He’s clearly not over you.”
No one had ever tried to protect me like that. I mean, my dad when I was a little girl watched out for me, but no one ever fought for me like this. The adrenaline was still running in my veins as I said, “He humiliated me at home. That will never go away. Even if we are only a week, he taught me that I need to protect myself.”
The humiliation he’d showed to everyone I ever met.
Seriously, I was a walking disaster who needed time to clean up her life.
Quentin stilled. “You don’t have to go back right away. You’re welcome to stay with me until you’re ready.”
That delayed the inevitable, but we both knew we weren’t forever.
My skin still had sweat on it, and this wasn’t what we wanted in our lives. I sighed. “I am tired of making life-long decisions. Let’s just enjoy the party.”
We walked through the rest of the gambling palace with crystal chandeliers and bright sconces illuminating the cream walls to the palace ballroom.
I didn’t understand the sign, but I saw his friends. We grabbed flutes of champagne, and Simon and Bridget joined us.
“What was going on out there?” Simon asked.
Quentin held me beside him. “Kara’s ex wants her back.”
Bridget said, “Shouting isn’t the way to win a woman’s affection.”
I clinked glasses with her and nodded. “Seriously. I didn’t invite him here.”
Bridget laughed with me and, for a moment, it was like I had a new friend.
As we finished our drinks, I grabbed Quentin’s hand before he brooded too much over that half-done proposal. “I like your friends, Quentin. Let’s dance.”
He guided me toward the dance floor and asked, “Are you upset we took longer here than seeing more of Italy?”
I glanced at his handsome profile and wished I was able to just forget everything in my life and believe we might fall in love. Quentin was the best man I’d ever met and probably ever would.
French Wanker : A Hero Cub Novel Page 9